Kids learn about legislation from a two-way professional

Steve Marcus

Jasmyn Franklin, left, of Valley High, and Nikhail Nigam of Silverado High take part in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program Friday at UNLV. Assemblyman and former teacher Lynn Stewart, who spoke to the students, says he was impressed, but not surprised, with the caliber of the participants.

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Monday, June 23, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Assemblyman Lynn Stewart, R-Las Vegas, is the Legislature’s oldest freshman, having been elected in 2006 after more than 34 years as a high school teacher.

“And if I’m reelected, I’ll be the oldest sophomore,” Stewart told about 100 of the state’s top high school juniors at a conference Friday at UNLV.

The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, now in its 50th year, was founded by the Hollywood actor to help students develop leadership skills. The seminars, workshops and conferences are held throughout the United States.

Stewart appeared on a panel with Sen. Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, and lobbyist Russell Rowe to discuss the role each plays in the legislative process.

Stewart, who taught high school history and government, said he was impressed — but not surprised — by the caliber of the student participants.

“I’ve always thought we were in good shape when it came to the kids,” Stewart told the Sun.

As for the ongoing budget cuts, and the possibility that teachers could lose their 4 percent cost-of-living pay increases, Stewart said he doubted there would be widespread faculty protests.

Educators don’t do it for the money, Stewart said.

“I’d take the cut,” he said. “And keep on teaching.”

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To eliminate $678,886 in annual rent for office space, the Clark County School District plans to spend nearly $12 million relocating eight departments to district property.

How, exactly, does that save the district money?

The short answer is that most of the rent money comes from the district’s general fund, dollars that can be reallocated to programs and services that directly benefit students. Those dollars are badly needed given the steep cuts to K-12 funding this year.

The cost of the relocation will be covered by proceeds from a short-term bond the district issued in 2003, which is also helping to pay for the technology campus under construction at East Flamingo Road and McLeod Drive.

As part of the plan, the district will give up four rented buildings. Six departments will move to existing offices and new modular buildings on district-owned land, all within walking distance of the Greer Education Center on East Flamingo Road. The two departments responsible for school technology, currently housed in separate leased buildings, will both move to portable offices at the district’s food services warehouse site.

With gas prices continuing to soar, every block counts, said Linda Perri, director of real property management for the district.

“Maybe it’s only three miles down the street, but how many trips do people make?” Perri asked. “This is much more efficient for everyone.”

In 2005, to reduce the district’s reliance on leases, the School Board spent $14.5 million to buy a four-story office building at 5100 W. Sahara Ave. If the latest relocations go according to plan, the district will have just one lease remaining — $322,849 annually for offices down the block on West Sahara.

•••

The district’s newest magnet high school program, the East Career & Technical Academy, is accepting applications for the 2008-09 academic year.

Students must complete the same academic requirements as their peers at traditional high schools. At the same time, they can earn college credit, complete professional certification, and take part in apprenticeships that may lead to employment immediately after graduation.

Most of the spots have been filled in the freshman class, although there are some openings for sophomores, said Diana Gonzalez, the academy’s recruiting counselor.

Classes begin Aug. 25 at the campus at 6705 Vegas Valley Drive. The academy’s temporary offices are at Eldorado High School, 1139 Linn Lane.

For information, go to http://magnetapp.ccsd.net or call 799-8888.